Study Abroad Student Resources

Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) is the leading provider of study abroad and international student insurance coverage. Since 1992, we have insured over 1 million international students and cultural exchange participants worldwide. Our relationships with financially stable insurance carriers, all A rated or better by A.M. Best, enable us to provide the wide-ranging coverage travelers depend upon at affordable prices they appreciate.
Our participants travel to more than 200 countries annually. Destinations include Costa Rica, Italy, Brazil, Egypt, China, the United States and more. Our international and sister offices give CISI direct connections in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa and Australia.

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CISI has a solution to fit your traveling needs and budget.

• If you are a study abroad student traveling outside of the United States or an international scholar coming to the United States to study, select from individual insurance plan options for reliable coverage and peace of mind for your travels.
• If you are looking for a group insurance plan for your cultural exchange participants, CISI will work with you to find the coverage you require.

Everywhere you want to study, travel, visit and tour, CISI has you covered.

https://www.culturalinsurance.com/

Handling your finances abroad has become much less complicated for students than it was even a decade ago. Globalization has made credit and debit card use commonplace and ubiquitous. There are, however, some important matters to consider when planning access to funds while you are abroad.

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Contact Your Bank

Let your bank know that you will be out of the country. Share with them the duration of your travel and the details of where you will be and on what dates. Having your card shut off to protect you from fraud is a great service that many banks provide and also can be a hugely frustrating experience for students abroad if they have not let their banks know about their travel plans.

International Transaction Fees

These fees and surcharges may apply abroad depending on your particular bank. If your bank charges you a flat rate fee, it may be smarter to take out larger sums of money less frequently in order to avoid multiple fees. If you are not comfortable carrying around large sums of money, consider finding a bank that charges a lower rate. Look into credit unions as they may have lower fees. Do some research to see if your bank has partner institutions or reciprocity agreements with banks in your host country. In some cases, this will eliminate transaction fees entirely.

Consider opening a bank account abroad

For students on programs shorter than a semester this option may not be the most cost effective. If you are, however, abroad for longer periods, you may find having an account in-country provides convenience and savings.

Know the exchange rate

Check every few weeks to make sure that the exchange rate has not fluctuated dramatically. Rates can change hourly, so check an online currency converter to make sure that you are using the correct ratio.

Assign a PIN to your card(s)

Some countries require you to have a PIN attached to your credit card. Give yourself some time to do this before you depart.

Make a copy of your debit/credit card

Make a copy of your debit and/or credit card (front and back). Give a copy to someone you trust back home. You can also scan and email the card, though this could represent a security risk. If you lose your card or it gets stolen, it will be helpful to have access to these copies. Also, make sure that you email the international phone number for your debit or credit card to yourself as well, so that you can call your bank in case of emergencies.

Make sure there are ATMs available

ATMs exist just about everywhere in the world, but there are some remote places where they are nowhere to be found. If you think you might be going to one of those places, it is a good idea to research availability.

Set up for Direct Deposit

If you are receiving financial aid or some other income, be sure to set up Direct Deposit. Picking up a check in Milwaukee won’t be convenient for you if you are abroad!

Stay informed

Take the time to research the political landscape and customs of your host country before you depart. Stay informed about current events and developing situations while you are away. In many cases, your program director or host university will share details if there is a safety or security concern. However, you should also take steps to stay informed through local and independent media, press reports, blogs, and other sources.
 

For current news, safety bulletins and analysis view:

• Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)
• U.S. State Department travel.state.gov
• Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• GoogleNews

Stay active

Maintaining your regular diet and exercise regimen abroad can be a challenge. Foods readily available in the U.S. may not be available or easy to find in your host country and you may be surprised by locals’ reactions when you go for a run in the streets. In some locations, additional precautions may be necessary to avoid food poisoning, contaminated water, or exposure to insect-borne diseases.
 

For travelers’ health tips view:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization
• National Institute of Health (NIH) - Medline Plus

Road safety

Road accidents are the number one cause of death and serious injury abroad for people between the ages of 15 and 29. The majority of international road accidents involve cars, but nearly half of all road related deaths involve “vulnerable road users” including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycles. Regardless of where you study in the world, it will be important to recognize that vehicle and pedestrian responsibilities are different than in the U.S. Take time to observe and understand the driving and pedestrian culture of your host country; do not make assumptions and use extreme caution if you choose to drive a motor vehicle while abroad.
 

For international road safety information and reports view:

• ASIRT - Association for International Road Travel 
• U.S. Department of State Country Specific Information - Road Safety Overseas 
• OECD: International Road Traffic and Accident Database

Crime and safety

Crime can occur anywhere, but as a visitor in a foreign country you may be particularly vulnerable. You may stand out as different and be unfamiliar with your new environment. This, combined with the fact that you may not be be able to interpret the verbal and non-verbal potentially dangerous cues in your environment, can place you at a disadvantage and make you a target for crime. Nevertheless, there are simple steps you can take to significantly reduce the chance of being the victim of crime:

• Situational awareness - be aware of what is happening around tyou at all times. 
• Trust your instincts - take immediate action to remove yourself from situations that feel unsafe or uncomfortable. 
• Avoid behaviors and situations that put you at risk - if you consume alcohol and drugs, dont walk alone, and never leave a club or get into a car with someone you dont know. 

U.S. Department of State - Your Safety is Our Priority

U.S. Department of State Country Specific Information - Country Specific Information
 

Local law

When you travel to a foreign country, you are subject to its laws and penalties. In most cases, the laws are common sense but, in other instances, they may be much more obscure (e.g. taking pictures of government buildings, purchasing antiquities, or collecting biological samples without permits). If you violate a law, the consequences may be more severe than for a comparable offense in the U.S. Lack of familiarity with local laws is not considered an excuse and will not absolve you from prosecution or sentencing. If you are arrested overseas, the U.S. Department of State can provide limited assistance and support.

For more information view:

• U.S. Department of State - Local Laws 

Sexual assault and harrassment

Sexual assault and harassment are sadly common on both U.S. college campuses and in study abroad. As is true in the U.S., most victims of sexual assault and harassment abroad are women, but men can also be victims and should take the same personal safety precautions. Taking common sense precautions can reduce your risk.
 

Sexual assault and harassment prevention links:

• SafeCampus - Behaviors to Watch For
• Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network - RAINN
• How Female Travelers Can Deal With Sexual Harassment and Assault Overseas
• Australian Government - Tips to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Sexual Assault 

Align cost with your study abroad goals 

Compare programs based on your needs and goals. Factors to consider: 

• Number of credits
• Courses avalible
• Local cost of living
• What the program fee includes 

Financial Aid

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• All Stritch aid, federal, state, and outside aid will be applied towards your program.

All other programs

• Federal, state, and outside aid will be applied towards your program. 

Scholarship Information

SOL Education Abroad Scholarships